Chelsea Manager Maresca Rejects Manchester City Links as Pure Rumour
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has labelled fresh reports linking him with a move to Manchester City as "100% speculation".
The Italian manager, who once served as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man at the Etihad, addressed the persistent speculation surrounding his future.
Maresca, appointed Chelsea boss in June 2024, is under contract that runs until 2029, with a potential extra year available.
"It doesn't affect me at all because I know that is 100% speculation," Maresca said. "And at this moment, there is little room for these kind of things."
He further elaborated, Primarily, because I have a contract here for several more years. And my focus, I said many times, is solely on this club and I'm very proud to be here. But again, it's rumour. One week ago I was linked with a role in Italy with Juventus. So I ignore it because I know that is without foundation."
Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, are set to face Newcastle United on Saturday in a 12:30 GMT fixture.
Tensions Following Previous Comments
Maresca's most recent comments come after he referred to a previous two-day spell as his "worst" since arriving at Chelsea.
Those original words had fueled widespread speculation of a possible rift between the coach and the club's ownership hierarchy.
When pressed if he had discussed matters with the Chelsea's sporting directors, Maresca responded, "We are in the same building, so we speak about various topics. But about the post-Everton media session, no."
The manager however affirmed he would "absolutely" remain at the club for the coming campaign and urged the fans to keep backing the team".
In brighter news, Maresca indicated that sidelined forwards Liam Delap and Estevao Willian could be back ahead of schedule, possibly available for a match against Aston Villa on 27 December.
Perspective: An 'Open Wound'
The perceived disconnect between Maresca and the Chelsea board persists as an unhealed issue that continues to create unease.
While there has been no deepening of the matter in the open, there has equally been no apology forthcoming, creating the matter unresolved.
The atmosphere during these media briefings has become increasingly awkward, leading to concerns it could impact what has up to now been a decent start to the season.
Chelsea's on-field position is positive: they are in the top four in the Premier League, have qualified for the League Cup semi-finals, and can achieve a favourable European draw with strong results in their remaining matches.
The prevailing uncertainty is whether this off-field dynamic might begin to affect a team that was beginning to look cohesive.